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AAPI Victory Alliance

Forcing the move of proposed NYC Chinatown jail

Forcing the move of Riker's Island jail will preserve the historical nature of NYC Chinatown

Posted August 3, 2022

Background & Context

The move of the jail to Chinatown would cause further economic decline to already ravaged "Asia-towns" decimated during the pandemic. Additionally, given the still rising hate and violence in the AAPI community particularly against East Asian's, the move of the jail sends a signal to already vulnerable populations that their voices and communities do not matter. This issue has much attention locally, however, we would like to assist in nationalizing the issue of the Chinatown jail.

Background links:

https://www.curbed.com/2021/12/museum-of-chinese-in-america-protests.html

https://epicenter-nyc.com/chinatown-rallies-against-proposed-mega-jail/

Immediate Problem

We would like Mayor Adams to not the move of the jail to Chinatown.

Work & Deliverables

We would like a law student to research the legal avenues for preventing the city from building a new jail facility in Chinatown. Legal, economic, and political pressure is already underway, and we would like this research to support and build off the work already done. The aim is to empower the community and protect the culture and heritage in this neighborhood, while also preventing the increased incarceration rates that come from focusing resources on jails rather than social services.

The final work product would be a research memo presenting options to use the legal system to resist the building of this jail.

Project Plan

Preparation Phase

  • Meet with supervisor to discuss project and expectations

Collaboration Phase

  • Conduct independent research, including of legal challenges already underway

Wrap Up

  • Prepare final memo and present to staff

This project is complete!

This project has been completed thanks to the efforts of our volunteers.

Visit the Project Directory to check out other projects that still need your help!

Additional Information

  • Time Commitment: 11-20 hours
  • Training Provided: No
  • Site-Preference: Remote
  • Open to Law Students: Yes
  • Bar License(s) required: Any Bar License
  • Required Languages: None
  • Required Legal Expertise: None
  • Deliverables Due: September 30, 2022
  • Mentoring Provided: Yes
  • Supervision Provided: Yes
AAPI Victory Alliance

Formerly known as AAPI Progressive Action, AAPI Victory Alliance works to build Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) political power across the country by providing education on progressive issues; creating and advocating for policies that affect our communities; and building alliances with organizations to help AAPIs exert their power and be the margin of victory at the local, state, and national levels. AAPI Victory Alliance will house the first-ever AAPI think tank.

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